This Women’s History Month, hear directly from young Gen-Z girls about the issues affecting their lives and the changes they want to see in the future. From the ongoing fight for equal rights to societal pressures to look and behave a certain way, girls from around the country share what it’s like to be a woman today and continue to challenge the status quo.
All of the pieces were written and produced using the free KQED Youth Media Challenge curriculum. Find thousands more youth voices on the Youth Media Challenge Showcase, where middle and high school students are sharing issues and topics that matter to them.
Growing Up
- Rude Woman Syndrome Olivia shares her personal experience with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and asks others to be more empathic to women during this time.
- From Girl to Woman Gina tells the story of how middle and high school experiences have shaped her identity and confidence as a woman.
- True Beauty Shasta comments on how the unhealthy pressure girls face to look a certain way is detrimental to their self-esteem.
- Waist of Money Anka expresses her frustration about Barbie dolls only representing a specific body type through a powerful political cartoon.
A Global Fight for Equal Rights
- Wage Gap in America Lydia discusses why the wage gap between men and women is still so pronounced in the modern day.
- Women’s Rights Podcast Vaughn & Brooklyn interview other women about the obstacles they faced in the workplace and how gender stereotypes affected their career goals.
- Equal Rights For Women Jenavieve’s podcast raises awareness about the global fight for equal rights for women.
Changing the Status Quo
- Dear Male Athletes Ellie’s letter calls for more support for women’s sports and explains how struggle is rooted in sexism.
- Menstrual Products are overpriced and are still taxed Lewisa shares how the high cost of menstrual products is causing inequitable healthcare for many women.
- Women’s History in School Caitlin wants school curriculum to include more stories of strong, game-changing women.
- “Eh, I Could Take Her” Ayiana explores the hard work, injustices, and obstacles that women in sports face, and why pay equity is important.
- A Call for Equal Pay Kamryn’s political cartoon about pay disparity between genders was inspired by her mother’s experience in the workplace.
Inspired by one or more of these Gen-Z girls’ voices? Elevate their stories by sharing your favorite pieces with your students, your community, or on social media. Discover more girls’ voices from around the country speaking up about issues that matter to them on the Youth Media Challenge Showcase.
You can make space for your students’ voices in class with Youth Media Challenges, designed to empower students through media making and authentic audience. All student submissions are published to the Showcase, and some may be featured on KQED’s homepage, digital channels, and in blogs like these!